Wilding Conifer Operations Lead

## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Wildling Conifer Operations Lead
• Role Type :
• Permanent, full-time
• Location :
• Christchurch
• Salary Range :
• General Salary Range D : $100,934 to $118,005 depending on skills and experience
• About the Role – Kōrero mō te Tūranga
• MPI's Biosecurity business unit is seeking a Wilding Conifer Operations Lead to support the delivery of the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme. This role sits within the Pest Management Programmes Group, which leads high-profile national programmes to protect New Zealand's environment, economy, and way of life from established pests and diseases.You will lead and coordinate operational control work to ensure it is prioritised, coordinated, effective, and safe. You'll manage relationships with operational partners and work collaboratively to improve operations and resolve issues. You'll also have strategic oversight of long-term planning and contribute to evidence-based improvements through engagement with the Operational and Technical Advisory Groups.
• Key Responsibilities
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with partner organisations and stakeholders.
• Deliver operational systems, policies, and procedures for the programme.
• Coordinate programme partners and support regional councils in operational planning.
• Lead resolution of operational issues and implement health & safety practices.
• Support development of Good Practice Guidelines and strategic planning frameworks.
• Ensure ongoing evaluation and improvement of the work programme.
• Provide technical support and share learnings across pest management programmes.
• Support the Team Manager with analysis, reporting, advice, and collaborative delivery.
• Lead training, coaching, and development of operational staff.
• Contribute to response activity and continuous improvement initiatives.
• About You – Mōu
• You'll bring strong judgement, strategic thinking, and technical expertise in pest or forestry management. You'll be a confident communicator and relationship builder, with experience navigating complex stakeholder environments. You'll be comfortable leading operational planning and contributing to national priorities.You will bring
• Proven experience in pest management, forestry operations, or a related field.
• Strong operational planning and coordination skills, with a focus on safety and effectiveness.
• Excellent relationship management skills, with experience working across central and local government, iwi, industry, and community groups.
• Strategic thinking and judgement, with the ability to prioritise and plan long-term control work.
• Experience leading teams or coaching others in technical or operational environments.
• Ability to resolve complex operational issues and drive continuous improvement.
• Familiarity with health and safety legislation and good practice in field operations.
• Strong communication skills – written and verbal – with the ability to influence and collaborate.
• Experience in project or programme delivery, including monitoring, reporting, and risk management.
• A tertiary qualification (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline.
• About the Team – Mō tō mātou Rōpū
• You'll join a passionate and engaged team primarily based in Christchurch, including two Operations Senior Advisers, a Programme Coordinator, a Senior Adviser Science, and a Communications Adviser. The team works closely with regional councils, DOC, industry bodies, landowners, community trusts, and other government teams to deliver effective pest management outcomes. We collaborate regularly, travel to field sites, and contribute to strategic planning and ministerial decision-making.
• Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua
• Annual Wellness payment
• Bi-annual paid eye test and contribution to the costs of corrective lenses / frames
• Career development and internal opportunities across the branch and organisationWe are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau and hāpori.We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatū Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.To view the position description and / or apply online, please click “APPLY” or visit the . To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it – click to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.
• Applications close at 11.59pm on Sunday 26 October 2025
• If you have any questions about the role, please email
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